Korean Shamanism

This week a Korean Shamanist festival and ceremony were held here at the Hanminjok Historic and Cultural Park to mark the Lunar Calendar "Gaecheonjeol" (Heaven's Opening Day).

Korean Shamanism, like many other traditional or indigenous practices, was suppressed by both foreign and domestic powers, but has recently regained support from the Korean public and government as an important cultural practice.

Parts of the festival and ceremony were similar to an ancestral rites ceremony that is held in Korea on special holidays like Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) or New Year's. It also had other elements, which seemed to represent human's connection to nature, and a "performance" by a traditional Shaman, which reflected the way shamans used to meet and talk with villagers.

Energy Yoga Center Open House Weekend

This weekend the Energy Yoga Center in Burlington, Canada, which is managed by my husband, Marek, is having an Open House.

Here's the line-up of workshops and presenters who will be at the Open House:



Saturday, November 13th:

10am -11:15am: “Open Class”

11:30am - 12:30pm: “Tipping the Scales" ... and I'm not talking about your weight or weight loss!” Sometimes the stress and burdens of life can weigh us down. Come re-energize by learning some tips and practical suggestions on creating a healthy life balance so you are living your best life!
Presented by: Joyce Minten, Life Coach

12:30pm -1pm: Lunch, "Organic Soup of the Day" by Tina and "Healthy Treats" by Sanya

1pm - 1:30pm: “Aromatherapy, Essential Oils and Hot Stone Healing Massage”How certain blends can improve our physical and mental well-being.
Presented by: Joanne Acevado Ireland, Aromatherapist and Healer

1:30pm-2:30pm: "Creative Writing and Meditation"
Experience Stream of Consciousness Writing; a non-stop, free flowing writing reflection workshop! With the awareness of our senses intact, we will write in flow; writing, whatever comes into our minds. There is no thought process or editing, it just flows from hand to paper. Writing is an extension of mediation.
Presented by Tina Dine, English Teacher

Sunday, November 14th

10am - 11:15am: “Aromatherapy Yoga Class - Using Thieves Oil to Fortify Our Immune System”
Thieves Essential Oil was inspired by the historical account of a group of 15th century thieves and grave robbers who rubbed cloves, rosemary, and other aromatics on their bodies to avoid contracting the deadly black plague. When apprehended, these thieves disclosed the formula of herbs, spices and oils they used to protect themselves in exchange for a more lenient punishment.
Presented by Vickie Vopni, Energy Yoga Teacher

11:45 am - 12: 45 pm: "Earth Qi-Gong" and 7 Energy Postures with a Sword "Gum Bo Young Gong"Learn about an ancient Healing Energy Martial Arts to improve your posture, strength, balance, and concentration and to help you reconnect with a deeper sense of Self through Ki-energy.
Presented by Marek

2:00 - 3:30 pm: "Heal Yourself with Living Food"Presenters will talk about the health benefits of a raw food diet and look at some seasonal recipes for the fall/ winter.
You will also have the opportunity to sample some raw foods such as yogi juice, cleansing cocktail, kale chips, green crackers, raw falafels, live biryani, fig bars and macaroons .
Presented by Sanya and Claire

All the best for a successful open house weekend!

Brain Education English at UBE

I started English classes and activities for staff here at UBE and Kookhakwon. There are three levels: Basic English and Intermediate and Advanced Brain Education English, as well as English Noraebang and English "Cafe" nights.

My hope is that people will have a chance to learn and practice English and Brain Education in English in a way that helps them build confidence in speaking English and in sharing Brain Education with others.

Here's a link to an article about the classes published in the Kookhak News, an online publication.

Article about Brain Education English in Kookhak News

Joyce Minten, Energy Yoga, and Brain Education

A few years ago, I met Joyce Minten. She interviewed me for an article she was writing about people making career changes.

This fall, Joyce contacted me again and we did another interview. It was a great opportunity for me to reflect on where I am now in my life and where I want to be.

Joyce also contacted my husband Marek at the Energy Yoga Center and together, they decided to publish a newsletter for the center writen and compiled by Joyce, including an article based on our interview. Joyce also presented a seminar at the Open House held this weekend at the Energy Yoga Center.

Joyce has recently started her own Life Coaching business. Check out her website and the article and newsletter she wrote here:

Joyce's website

Energy Yoga Newsletter

I'd like to thank Joyce for the opportunity to work with her again and for her contribution to the Energy Yoga Center. I wish her all the best with her new business venture and on this next part of her journey!